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WFP Emergency Operation Enters New Phase In Drought-Stricken Niger

NIAMEY – The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun a major round of feeding in Niger for 670,000 young children and their families as part of an emergency operation to reach as many as 8 million food-insecure people in the drought-stricken West African country.

NIAMEY – The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun a major round of feeding in Niger for 670,000 young children and their families as part of an emergency operation to reach as many as 8 million food-insecure people in the drought-stricken West African country.

The food distributions come at the peak of the critical ‘lean season' period, when family food stocks are exhausted ahead of the October harvest.

In the village of Sadakaram, in Zinder region, 900 kilometres east of the capital Niamey, Hadiza Souraji, a mother of four, was the first to receive the ration. “Today is a good day for me and my family,” she said. “I don't even want to think about what would have happened without this.”

The 670,000 children under two years of age will receive a monthly ration of a nutritious blend of corn and soya to combat malnutrition. At the same time, some 4 million members of their families will receive 50 kilograms of cereals, 5 kg of pulses and a ration of oil.

"People in Niger have suffered intensely from this protracted drought. It is critical to provide for the needs of these malnourished children," said WFP Regional Director Thomas Yanga.

Families with children under two receive specialist nutrition products for the children and a general ration of staple foods for themselves. The “protective ration” of staple foods is designed to ensure that children receive the full benefit of the specialist products and that they are not divided up among the rest of the family, which would dilute their effectiveness.

Food assistance and nutrition support is being provided to other severely affected regions, including Tahoua, Dosso, Maradi, Tillabery and Diffa. Working with 24 local and international non-governmental organizations and other partners, WFP has steadily increased operations this year as the scale of the crisis grew.

National surveys in May and June revealed a worsening food and nutrition situation, with acute malnutrition rates among children under five years at 16.7 percent – above the 15 percent threshold for an emergency.

"This massive operation requires US$213 million, but we are still short by at least 40 percent. It is crucial that donors continue to come forward as soon as possible if we are to prevent the loss of a whole generation of children to malnutrition and food insecurity," Yanga said.

The drought afflicting the eastern Sahel region knows no borders and neighbouring Chad is also suffering. WFP is implementing an emergency operation in the West and central parts of the country for 737,000 food insecure people, including acutely malnourished children.